Latest news with #Tatiana
The Guardian
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The moment I knew: as the curtains fell on our first performance, the electricity between us was palpable
In 2015 I was making my European debut singing the role of Tatiana in Tchiakovsky's Eugene Onegin in Berlin. I'd been offered the contract at relatively short notice and was assured by the casting director not to worry, my French-Canadian co-star was 'a real charmer'. I took it with a grain of salt. On the first day of rehearsals, Étienne (the charmer) arrived for a brief introduction before he rushed off to debut a very big role, playing Posa in Verdi's Don Carlos. The following day when I asked how the show had gone he turned to me and declared, without a trace of irony, 'I sang like a god'. He was so earnest as he went on to tell me about the audience's rapturous response to his brilliance I didn't know what to say. This level of self-congratulation ran so contrary to my Australian sensibilities all I could do was try not to laugh. I wrote to a friend that night about Étienne's amusing amour-propre, which even from those first impressions I found curiously endearing, if slightly unhinged. I was intrigued by his whole vibe. On a rare day off from rehearsals he agreed to show me around town. It was a glorious spring day and as we ambled through the city our conversation never found an organic conclusion. We walked and chatted for about seven hours; it was very Before Sunrise. By the end of the day something had shifted between us. Étienne had this whole approach to seduction that seemed almost absurdly dramatic to me. More than once he tried to serenade me with a melodeon – which, if you've ever experienced such a thing, you'll know is quite hard to take seriously. Much to his confusion it was the time we spent sitting on the floor of his barely furnished apartment, laughing and watching Flight of the Conchords together, that stole my heart. We kept things as private as possible but as we continued rehearsals our connection deepened both on and off the stage. There was such a charge between us it sometimes felt as though we were playing out the storyline of the opera in real life, and vice versa. As the curtains fell on our first performance, standing hand in hand, the electricity was palpable. It was obvious to me that this went well beyond onstage chemistry or a summer crush. I knew then something serious was happening. I had fallen in love. As the show wrapped we were forced apart for three months. Étienne headed to a contract at Glyndebourne, while I spent a miserable winter in Australia. We spent so much time on the phone it was ridiculous. In September I flew to meet him in Marseille. He was deep in rehearsals but defied his director and ignored countless phone calls demanding he return to set while he picked me up from the airport. A few weeks later he absconded from rehearsals in Strasbourg to fly to London for 14 hours to watch me make my house debut as Micaëla in Carmen at the Royal Opera House. And by Christmas he surprised me by cancelling three contracts for the new year and booking tickets to join me in Australia for a month. In the early days, many of Étienne's romantic gestures were met with my baffled amusement but the way he prioritised me, and our budding relationship once we were reunited was not something I took lightly. He swept me off my feet once and for all. Six years ago we bought our first home in Paris where we are based with our eight-year-old son and our apricot miniature poodle, Lily. We continue to tour extensively and still spend hours on the phone. These days Étienne knows his occasional melodeon performances give me a giggle. And we both know it's the laughs we share that keep our hearts singing. Nicole Car is making her debut as Rusalka in Opera Australia's Dvořák's Rusalka at Sydney Opera House from 19 July to 11 August Do you have a romantic realisation you'd like to share? From quiet domestic scenes to dramatic revelations, Guardian Australia wants to hear about the moment you knew you were in love. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Chef Kwame Onwuachi's Miami debut is a love letter to the Caribbean
These days, it's practically a given that chefs wear multiple hats—they're also authors, TV personalities and culinary judges. In the case of James Beard Award winner Kwame Onwuachi, you can add soon-to-be Miami restaurateur to the list. The former Top Chef contestant and toque behind some of the country's most celebrated restaurants (including Tatiana, named the No. 1 restaurant in NYC by Time Out New York and ranked No. 10 in the city by The New York Times) is teaming up with the crew behind NYC's Las' Lap (partners Vincent Bryant, Bryce Sheldon, Nick Semkiw, Scott Williams and attorney L. Ryan Shaffer) to bring the West Indian concept to The Daydrift hotel in South Beach. Chef Kwame will lead the menu, paying homage to his Trinidadian roots and Miami's diverse Caribbean community with a tightly curated lineup of small plates and shareable dishes—each designed to pair effortlessly with Las' Lap 's tropical cocktails, ideally enjoyed canal-side on the patio or nestled into one of the cozy velvet banquettes. We caught up with chef Kwame during a whirlwind visit to Miami, where he gave us a sneak peek at the nearly finished dining room and shared what we can expect from his first Magic City venture. Never one to slow down, he also dished on a few upcoming projects and the one hobby he's finally making time for. Do you enjoy the construction process of a new restaurant? This is the best part. Putting it all together. It starts on paper and then it gets to where it is now. Your portfolio is incredibly diverse, spanning books, TV and everything else you're currently working on. Do you take a different approach to each project? I try to do everything with intention, even like this space here. I was talking to somebody and they were like, 'Oh, we expect you to be at a large hotel or a big restaurant.' This feels just intentional. Partnering with the Las' Lap team, the brands definitely aligned in the type of offerings. And being in a small niche place, I think, adds some texture to the culinary landscape here. How do you begin a new project—do you have any rituals or routines you follow? I normally start with a story, and that story helps me craft the menu, and that crafts the design, and it crafts the plateware and every aspect. So, it normally just starts with a story. This one is a little bit more unique because it's already something that's established and we're just partnering together. Each time it starts with a story. I think it says a lot that your first foray into Miami hospitality is Las' Lap. Were there other opportunities before this one, and why was this the one? Yes, but I didn't really explore them, honestly. [This] just felt a little more wholesome and felt like it would be impactful in a way. A place where people can come late at night that's off the beaten path, but it's still on South Beach. A place that there is some sort of exclusivity because of the sheer size of it—and there can be some true attention to detail because of that. I think it's a beautiful combination of so many different things that made this really, really attractive. And then I know the partners from New York from frequenting Las' Lap. I think it all just made sense. What elements of your personality will we see at Las' Lap? I would say my attention to detail, both on the service side and in the kitchen. And then, really consulting on everything that has to do with food and service. What aspects of your upbringing and culture are you hoping to honor through this menu? Definitely my Caribbean side. Las' Lap means the golden hour of the last hour before Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. My grandfather is from Trinidad, so some of that culture will be represented here through the food, like escovitch crab claws. I didn't have it with crab claws, but I had it on fish. It's like a pickled situation with carrots, onions and scotch bonnet that I'm doing with crab claws. I'm also making bucatini and clams, similar to Rasta Pasta, but more in the style of linguine with clams from Italy. I'm injecting those Caribbean flavors in a really nice, refined way. Are you drawing from Miami's local culture for the menu? There's an oxtail Cuban on the menu, with jerk beef, bacon, and Swiss on brioche. I'm definitely playing into the Cuban aspects that are prevalent here. There's also a Wagyu griot, similar to the Haitian fried pork dish, that I'm doing with Wagyu short rib, some rice and peas, some pikliz and tamarind sauce. I'm really using the landscape of Miami to tell the story of the menu. I've watched several videos of you where you talk about wings… a lot. Will there be wings on the Las' Lap menu? I talk about wings a lot? Yeah, I'll have some sticky wings on the menu. They'll be smoked, double-cooked—battered and fried and then glazed in a jerk barbecue and chili honey. How does your approach to cooking differ when you're on television compared to when you're in one of your restaurants or at home? It's always a different version. There's always a different story to tell, and a different medium to tell it. My restaurant, Tatiana, is different from my patty shop, Patty Palace, different from Dōgon [in D.C.] or down to here, [Las' Lap]. I think there's definitely a through line with flavors that really showcase my culture, which is Creole, Nigerian, Jamaican and Trinidadian. But it's always telling a different story. I'm really using the landscape of Miami to tell the story of the menu. Do you feel like you give every project the same attention? I'm sure it's a bit like having kids—people say they don't have a favorite, but they usually do. Oh, yeah. I love all my children equally. Everyone gets the attention that they need. Some projects were able to fly on their own a little earlier and some need some more love. It's all about that balance, giving whatever project the time that it needs for it to be the best version of itself. That doesn't even mean walking through the dining room and shaking your head and kissing a baby. It's spending time with the staff. A lot of them come on these projects with my name attached to it. I don't want them to feel like I never see them. You have another opening on the horizon: Patty Palace at Time Out Market Union Square. Can you tell us about that? Oh man, it's going to be great. I mean, it's a truly exciting concept of Jamaican patties on cocoa bread. We have a jerk barbecue, green seasoning aioli and ginger cabbage slaw. That's really, really delicious. I am just excited to bring it there with different flavors of patties. We'll have the existing curry chicken, and we'll have the classic beef and jerk mushroom and potato [for the market.] I'm looking forward to it. What's exciting you about this opportunity? I mean, I think this one's unique. I don't think I like all [food halls], but this is Time Out—they do a good job. It's also a smaller one with only four or five spots, and it's right in the middle of Union Square. It'll add to the options that people have for quick things to eat. I think this one makes sense. Do you have plans to write another book? Yeah, I am. I actually have to hand in the manuscript [for my cookbook] in two days, so yeah, I have to do that on the plane. Finish it on the plane. It's already almost done. I just have to do a couple of final edits. You're non-stop. How do you decompress? For the past year and a half, I have been playing golf. My friend took me out to the driving range and I just fell in love with it. I bought a set of clubs the next day, joined a country club three months later, and I've been golfing ever since. I go at 6 or 7am, tee off super early, and then I have my full day. And then I'm in the restaurant business, so my service doesn't start until 5pm normally. When I travel, I play, and I travel a lot around the world, so it's pretty cool.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Bizarre moment Arsenal star David Raya and his groomsmen dance into wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL star David Raya and his groomsmen bizarrely danced into a wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos. The hilarious moment came ahead of the goalie's wedding to partner Tatiana. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 David Raya toasted his wedding by dressing in an inflatable tuxedo Credit: Instagram @ 12 The hilarious moment came before he married his partner Tatiana Credit: Instagram @ 12 Raya was joined by his groomsmen for the hilarious video Credit: Instagram @ 12 The group did their best dance moves at the wedding venue Credit: Instagram @ Raya and his glamorous new wife got hitched in front of friends and family during a glittering ceremony in their native Spain. But before the big day, Arsenal's No1 decided to have some fun with his groomsmen. Brilliant footage captured the moment Raya and his pals arrived at the wedding venue dressing in inflatable tuxedos. The happy group celebrated the occasion by dancing around, with the extra padding causing little issue to their movements. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL HAPPY EBER AFTER Arsenal consider adding star in swap for Eze as Palace hold out for £68m It was certainly a joyous way to kickstart the festivities. Raya and wife Tatiana started dating in 2021, with the pair enjoying life together at Brentford before heading to Arsenal two years later. Raya popped the question last year during a romantic meal, with the blushing bride instantly accepting. She used to work in a nightclub before meeting Raya and now has a career as a model. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Spain stopper also enjoyed a stag do trip with his groomsmen to Las Vegas in June. And after marrying Tatiana, the loved-up couple jetted away for a romantic honeymoon as they lounged around on a boat. David Raya can't keep his hands off model wife Tatiana on honeymoon after Arsenal star gets married 12 Raya and Tatiana got hitched earlier this month Credit: INSTAGRAM 12 The loved-up couple celebrated with friends and family Credit: Instagram @ 12 Tatiana stunned in her wedding dress Credit: INSTAGRAM 12 The lovebirds have jetted off for their honeymoon Credit: INSTAGRAM The pair do not have any children yet, but they do share a banned American XL bully which has received an exemption due to it being a home guard dog. Fans congratulated Raya and Tatiana after their big day. One said: 'He's our No1, I know he will keep her safe.' Another declared: 'Stunning.' One noted: 'My keeper!' Another added: 'Congratulations safe hands.' 12 Tatiana followed Raya to Arsenal after his time at Brentford Credit: instagram/ 12 They started dating in 2021 Credit: Instagram @ @ 12 Tatiana used to work in a night club Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Bizarre moment Arsenal star David Raya and his groomsmen dance into wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos
ARSENAL star David Raya and his groomsmen bizarrely danced into a wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos. The hilarious moment came ahead of the Advertisement 12 David Raya toasted his wedding by dressing in an inflatable tuxedo Credit: Instagram @ 12 The hilarious moment came before he married his partner Tatiana Credit: Instagram @ 12 Raya was joined by his groomsmen for the hilarious video Credit: Instagram @ 12 The group did their best dance moves at the wedding venue Credit: Instagram @ Raya and his glamorous new wife got hitched in front of friends and family during a glittering ceremony in their native Spain. But before the big day, Brilliant footage captured the moment Raya and his pals arrived at the wedding venue dressing in inflatable tuxedos. The happy group celebrated the occasion by dancing around, with the extra padding causing little issue to their movements. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL It was certainly a joyous way to kickstart the festivities. Raya and wife Tatiana started dating in 2021, with the pair enjoying life together at Brentford before heading to Arsenal two years later. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Spain stopper also enjoyed a And after marrying Tatiana, the loved-up couple jetted away for a romantic honeymoon as they lounged around on a boat. David Raya can't keep his hands off model wife Tatiana on honeymoon after Arsenal star gets married 12 Raya and Tatiana got hitched earlier this month Credit: INSTAGRAM Advertisement 12 The loved-up couple celebrated with friends and family Credit: Instagram @ 12 Tatiana stunned in her wedding dress Credit: INSTAGRAM 12 The lovebirds have jetted off for their honeymoon Credit: INSTAGRAM The pair do not have any children yet, but they do share a banned American XL bully which has received an exemption due to it being a home guard dog. Advertisement Fans congratulated Raya and Tatiana after their big day. One said: 'He's our No1, I know he will keep her safe.' Another declared: 'Stunning.' One noted: 'My keeper!' Advertisement Another added: 'Congratulations safe hands.' 12 Tatiana followed Raya to Arsenal after his time at Brentford Credit: instagram/ 12 They started dating in 2021 Credit: Instagram @ @ 12 Tatiana used to work in a night club Credit: Getty Advertisement 12 She now has a career as a model Credit: Instagram @
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bizarre moment Arsenal star David Raya and his groomsmen dance into wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos
ARSENAL star David Raya and his groomsmen bizarrely danced into a wedding venue wearing inflatable tuxedos. The hilarious moment came ahead of the goalie's wedding to partner Tatiana. 12 12 12 Raya and his glamorous new wife got hitched in front of friends and family during a glittering ceremony in their native Spain. But before the big day, Arsenal's No1 decided to have some fun with his groomsmen. Brilliant footage captured the moment Raya and his pals arrived at the wedding venue dressing in inflatable tuxedos. The happy group celebrated the occasion by dancing around, with the extra padding causing little issue to their movements. It was certainly a joyous way to kickstart the festivities. Raya and wife Tatiana started dating in 2021, with the pair enjoying life together at Brentford before heading to Arsenal two years later. Raya popped the question last year during a romantic meal, with the blushing bride instantly accepting. She used to work in a nightclub before meeting Raya and now has a career as a model. The Spain stopper also enjoyed a stag do trip with his groomsmen to Las Vegas in June. And after marrying Tatiana, the loved-up couple jetted away for a romantic honeymoon as they lounged around on a boat. David Raya can't keep his hands off model wife Tatiana on honeymoon after Arsenal star gets married 12 12 The pair do not have any children yet, but they do share a banned American XL bully which has received an exemption due to it being a home guard dog. Fans congratulated Raya and Tatiana after their big day. One said: 'He's our No1, I know he will keep her safe.' Another declared: 'Stunning.' One noted: 'My keeper!' Another added: 'Congratulations safe hands.' 12
